Gavaskar Sees Kohli and Sharma as 2027 World Cup Certainties

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already signaled their intent for the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing their decision to make themselves available for the current trip and their class under pressure. Gavaskar thinks that their pedigree should make them automatic picks if they remain available, and that their ability and experience make them certainties in the squad. He specifically stated that with their rhythm, they can be written into the World Cup squad for South Africa 2027.

Key Takeaways:

• Gavaskar believes that Kohli and Sharma have signaled their intent for the 2027 World Cup by making themselves available for the current trip.
• He thinks that their pedigree should make them automatic picks if they remain available, considering their ability and experience.
• Gavaskar specifically mentioned that Kohli's innings in Sydney reset a wobbly week and underlined his ODI pedigree.
• Rohit's century in the same series reaffirmed his authority at the top of the order in the format.
• Gavaskar framed selection as a calculation of bankable quality, prioritizing the class of the players and their fitness over nostalgia.
• The duo's performance and partnership has reignited conversations around their presence in the 2027 WC.
• Gavaskar's comments serve as a sharp pivot from the mixed noise of the last few weeks, when multiple voices questioned whether the veterans should be managed conservatively.

Statistics:

• India's nine-wicket win in Sydney in the third ODI.
• Kohli scored an unbeaten 74 in the same match, stitching an unbeaten partnership of 168 runs with Rohit.
• Rohit signed off the series with a fluent century.

Sources:

• India Today
• Hindustan Times